No fear for AZ talents for cauldron in Youth League final: “Keep a cool head”

It is the first time since the start of the Youth League that a Dutch team reaches the final. The European tournament for teams under 19 is the youth variant of the Champions League.

The Alkmaarders previously won with big figures against renowned clubs such as Barcelona and Real Madrid. Friday came in the Sporting Portugal semi-final defeated on penalty kicks. That match was also played in Switzerland, so trainer Jan Sierksma has his players together for a longer period of time.

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In the other semi-final, Hajduk Split eliminated AC Milan. That happened with many thousands of Croatian supporters in the stands, where quite a few fireworks were also lit. Sierksma was present at that match and will include this in the preliminary discussion. “Yes, we certainly touch that, but not too much. You have to keep the focus on what you can influence.”

Goalkeeper Rome-Yaden Owusu-Oduro will be back under the bar at AZ tomorrow evening. He dragged his team through the semi-finals on Friday by stopping two penalties in the penalty shootout. The final must be the next highlight.

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Owusu-Oduro has also seen the images of the Hajduk supporters. He is not worried that AZ will be confused. “We have many players with experience and who are used to playing in front of a large audience. If we keep our heads cool, it will be fine.”